Generation of millimeter-wave frequencies for microwave systems

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for generating a microwave signal using two millimeter-wave frequencies. A first millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency, which is generated from a lower frequency source, is used to up-convert a baseband and/or intermediate signal into a first millimeter-wave signal, which is then down-converted into a microwave signal using a second millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency generated from the same lower frequency source. Each of the first and second millimeter-wave frequencies is associated with a phase noise that is higher than a phase noise associated with the lower frequency source, however, the frequency differential between the first millimeter-wave frequency and the second millimeter-wave frequency is free of the higher phase noise, as a result of the two millimeter-wave signal being generated from the single lower frequency source, thereby causing the resultant microwave signal to be free of the higher phase noise as well.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser.No. 16/389,966, filed on Apr. 21, 2019.

BACKGROUND

A millimeter-wave frequency generated from a lower frequency source maybe associated with an increased level of phase noise that may prove tobe unusable in conjunction with microwave systems.

In wireless communication systems, such as microwave systems, atransmission signal is generated by up-converting a base-band signalinto a microwave signal, in which such up conversion is done using asingle or multiple up-conversion frequencies in the microwave range.Using up-conversion frequencies in the microwave range may interferewith the operation of other nearby or co-located microwave channels, andmay further or otherwise restrict the span of frequencies over whichtransmission of microwave signals can be made.

SUMMARY

One embodiment (FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B) is a system operative to generate aspecific exact frequency differential between a first millimeter-wavefrequency and a second millimeter-wave frequency, comprising: a singleoscillator; and a frequency alteration mechanism comprising at least afirst frequency multiplier. In one embodiment, the system is configuredto use the single oscillator in conjunction with the frequencyalteration mechanism to generate a first millimeter-wave frequency thatis above 18 GHz (eighteen gigahertz); the system is further configuredto use the single oscillator, again, in conjunction with the frequencyalteration mechanism to generate a second millimeter-wave frequency thatis below the first millimeter-wave frequency but still above 18 GHz, soas to create a specific exact frequency differential between the firstmillimeter-wave frequency and a second millimeter-wave frequency, inwhich the first millimeter-wave frequency and a second millimeter-wavefrequency are at least partially phase-correlated as a result of beinggenerated from the single oscillator; and both said firstmillimeter-wave frequency and second millimeter-wave frequency areassociated with a millimeter-wave phase noise that is above a certainnoise level, however the specific exact frequency differential isassociated with a phase noise that is below said certain noise level asa direct result of said phase-correlation, and is therefore usable forgenerating a certain signal associated with a certain baseband and/orintermediate frequency.

One embodiment (FIG. 5) is a method for generating a specific exactfrequency differential between a first millimeter-wave frequency and asecond millimeter-wave frequency, comprising: multiplying a frequencyassociated with a single microwave oscillator comprising a certain levelof phase noise, thereby producing a millimeter-wave up-conversionfrequency associated with a higher level of phase noise; multiplying afrequency associated with the single microwave oscillator, therebyproducing a millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency associated withthe higher level of phase noise; obtaining a first signal in a basebandand/or intermediate frequency; using the millimeter-wave up-conversionfrequency to up-convert the first signal from said baseband and/orintermediate frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency, therebyproducing a millimeter-wave version of the first signal that isassociated with the higher level of phase noise; using themillimeter-wave down-conversion frequency to down-convert themillimeter-wave version of the first signal into a microwave version ofthe first signal; and phase-matching the millimeter-wave up-conversionfrequency with the millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency, therebyreducing a phase noise associated with the microwave version of thefirst signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are herein described by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings. No attempt is made to showstructural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessaryfor a fundamental understanding of the embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a first millimeter-wave chainoperative to up-convert signals from a baseband frequency into amillimeter-wave frequency and a second millimeter-wave chain operativeto down-convert signals from a millimeter-wave frequency into amicrowave frequency;

FIG. 1B illustrates one embodiment of a millimeter-wave signal having acertain characteristic frequency that is settable over a certainfrequency span and a microwave signal derived from the millimeter-wavesignal and thus having a certain characteristic frequency that issettable over a similar frequency span;

FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a third millimeter-wave chainoperative to up-convert signals from a baseband frequency into amillimeter-wave frequency and a fourth millimeter-wave chain operativeto down-convert signals from a millimeter-wave frequency into amicrowave frequency;

FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of a fifth radio-frequency (RF) chainoperative to receive a first microwave signal and a sixth RF chainoperative to receive a second microwave signal;

FIG. 2C illustrates one embodiment of two millimeter-wave signals havingtwo different characteristic frequencies that are settable over acertain frequency span and two microwave signals derived respectivelyfrom the two millimeter-wave signal and thus having two respectivecharacteristic frequencies that are settable over a similar frequencyspan;

FIG. 2D illustrates one embodiment of a radio frequency integratedcircuit (RFIC) containing all of the RF chains and belonging to awireless base-station or an access point;

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a method for using millimeter-waveradio components for generating microwave signals over a wide frequencyrange;

FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of a system operative to generate aspecific exact frequency differential between a first millimeter-wavefrequency and a second millimeter-wave frequency;

FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of the specific exact frequencydifferential between a first millimeter-wave frequency and a secondmillimeter-wave frequency; and

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method for generating a specificexact frequency differential between a first millimeter-wave frequencyand a second millimeter-wave frequency.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a first millimeter-wave chain1-chain-1 operative to up-convert signals from a baseband frequency intoa millimeter-wave frequency and a second millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2operative to down-convert signals from a millimeter-wave frequency intoa microwave frequency. A baseband signal 1-bb-1, which may contain I/Qcomponents comprising an in-phase component 1-bb-1 a (I) and aquadrature component 1-bb-1 b (Q), is up-converted by the firstmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1 to a millimeter-wave frequency, therebyproducing a millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 (1-mmw-2 a, 1-mmw-2 b) ofthe baseband signal 1-bb-1, in which a millimeter-wave frequency is anyfrequency above 25 GHz (twenty five gigahertz) and below 300 GHz (threehundred gigahertz). The millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 of the basebandsignal 1-bb-1 is then down-converted by the second millimeter-wave chain1-chain-2 into a microwave frequency, thereby producing a microwaveversion 1-Mw-3 of the baseband signal 1-bb-1, in which a microwavefrequency is any frequency above 300 MHz (three hundred megahertz) andbelow 25 GHz (twenty five gigahertz). The actual up-conversion may beachieved using mixers 1-x-1 a, 1-x-1 b, in which the reference signalsto the mixers 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b may be produced by a firstsynthesizer/millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1. The actualdown-conversion may be achieved using another mixer 1-x-2, in which thereference signal 1-ref-2 to such a mixer 1-x-2 may be produced by asecond synthesizer/millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-2. The microwaveversion 1-Mw-3 of the baseband signal 1-bb-1 may be then transmittedwirelessly via a microwave antenna. Elements 10 a, 10 b, 11, and 12represent various radio frequency components such as filters,amplifiers/power amplifiers, power combiners, antennas, or any othercomponent that is usually used in conjunction with radio frequencytransmission chains.

FIG. 1B illustrates one embodiment of a millimeter-wave signal 1-mmw-2having a certain characteristic frequency that is settable over acertain frequency span 2-span and a microwave signal 1-Mw-3 derived fromthe millimeter-wave signal 1-mmw-2 and thus having a certaincharacteristic frequency that is settable over a similar frequency span2-span′. Millimeter-wave signal 1-mmw-2, which is a millimeter-waveversion of baseband signal 1-bb-1, is produced by the firstmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1 using reference signals 1-ref-1 a,1-ref-1 b (collectively referred to as 1-ref-1) from the localmillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1. In one embodiment, millimeter-waveoscillator 1-synt-1 is a programmable oscillator, and therefore thereference signal 1-ref-1 can be set over a certain span of frequencies2-span. Since millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 operates in themillimeter-wave frequency range, and since the span of frequenciesassociated with a programmable oscillator usually increases withoperating frequency, then millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 isexpected to have a relatively large frequency span over which referencesignal 1-ref-1 can be set. For example, if millimeter-wave oscillator1-synt-1 operates around a nominal frequency of 60 GHz (sixtygigahertz), then millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 can be expected toproduce a reference signal 1-ref-1 over a span of frequencies 2-spanthat is at least 5% (five percent) of the nominal frequency, andtherefore reference signal 1-ref-1 can be expected to be settable over aspan of frequencies 2-span of at least 3 GHz (three gigahertz), e.g.,from 58.5 GHz (fifty eight point five gigahertz) to 61.5 (sixty onepoint five gigahertz). Consequently, the resultant millimeter-wavesignal 1-mmw-2 has a characteristic frequency that is settable over thesame frequency span 2-span of 3 GHz (three gigahertz). Microwave signal1-Mw-3, which is a microwave version of baseband signal 1-bb-1, isproduced by the second millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2 using referencesignal 1-ref-2 from the local millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-2 andusing the millimeter-wave signal 1-mmw-2 as an input. Sincemillimeter-wave signal 1-mmw-2 has a characteristic frequency that issettable over the frequency span 2-span of 3 GHz (three gigahertz) as anexample, then consequently, the resultant microwave signal 1-Mw-3 willhave a characteristic frequency that is also settable over a similarfrequency span 2-span′ of 3 GHz (three gigahertz). The characteristicfrequency (also referred to as nominal or center frequency) of microwavesignal 1-Mw-3 depends on the two reference signals 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2, andmore specifically on the difference 2-differential between thefrequencies of 1-ref-1 and 1-ref-2. For example, if reference signals1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 have the frequencies of 61.5 GHz (sixty one point fivegigahertz) and 57.9 GHz (fifty seven point nine gigahertz) respectively,then the resultant characteristic frequency of microwave signal 1-Mw-3will be 3.6 GHz (three point six gigahertz), which happens to be in amicrowave band used for 5G cellular communication. Now, according to theexample above, since reference signal 1-ref-1 is settable over a span2-span of 3 GHz (three gigahertz), then the frequency of 1-ref-1 canalso be set to 58.5 GHz (fifty eight point five gigahertz), and in thatcase the resultant characteristic frequency of microwave signal 1-Mw-3will be 600 MHz (six hundred megahertz), which happens to be in a muchlower microwave band used for LTE cellular communication. Similarly, theresultant characteristic frequency of microwave signal 1-Mw-3 can beset, according to this example, to any frequency between 600 MHz (sixhundred megahertz) and 3.6 GHz (three point six gigahertz), whichpractically covers the entire span 2-span′ of all frequencies used bycellular radio access networks (RANs). This result is quite unusual, andis made possible due to the translation of the large frequency span2-span possible with millimeter-wave components 1-synt-1, 1-x-1,1-synt-2, 1-x-2 into an unusually wide frequency span 2-span′ over whicha microwave signal 1-Mw-3 can be transmitted. It is noted that in theabove example the reference frequency 1-ref-1 changes while thereference frequency 1-ref-2 remains constant, but a similar effect canbe achieved by keeping reference frequency 1-ref-1 constant and changingreference frequency 1-ref-2, or by changing both reference frequencies1-ref-1 and 1-ref-2, as long as the frequency differential2-differential places the microwave signal 1-Mw-3 in the appropriatemicrowave band.

FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a third millimeter-wave chain1-chain-3 operative to up-convert signals from a baseband frequency intoa millimeter-wave frequency and a fourth millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-4operative to down-convert signals from a millimeter-wave frequency intoa microwave frequency. A baseband signal 1-bb-1′ (1-bb-1 a′, 1-bb-1 b′)is up-converted by the third millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-3 to amillimeter-wave frequency, thereby producing a millimeter-wave version1-mmw-2′ (1-mmw-2 a′, 1-mmw-2 b′) of the baseband signal 1-bb-1′. Themillimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2′ of the baseband signal 1-bb-1′ is thendown-converted by the fourth millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-4 into amicrowave frequency, thereby producing a microwave version 1-Mw-3′ ofthe baseband signal 1-bb-1′. The actual up-conversion may be achievedusing mixers 1-x-1 a′, 1-x-1 b′, in which the reference signals to themixers 1-ref-1 a′, 1-ref-1 b′ (together 1-ref-1′) may be produced by athird synthesizer/millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-3. The actualdown-conversion may be achieved using another mixer 1-x-2′, in which thereference signal 1-ref-2′ to such a mixer 1-x-2′ may be produced by afourth synthesizer/millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-4. The microwaveversion 1-Mw-3′ of the baseband signal 1-bb-1′ may be then transmittedwirelessly via a microwave antenna. Elements 10 a′, 10 b′, 11′, and 12′represent various radio frequency components such as filters,amplifiers/power amplifiers, power combiners, antennas, or any othercomponent that is usually used in conjunction with radio frequencytransmission chains.

FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of a fifth radio-frequency (RF) chain1-chain-5 operative to receive a first microwave signal 3-Mw and a sixthRF chain 1-chain-6 operative to receive a second microwave signal 3-Mw′.The fifth RF chain 1-chain-5 down-converts the first microwave signal3-Mw into a corresponding baseband signal 3-bb, and The sixth RF chain1-chain-6 down-converts the second microwave signal 3-Mw′ into acorresponding baseband signal 3-bb′. Elements 13, 13′, 14, and 14′represent various radio frequency components such as low-noiseamplifiers (LNAs) and other amplifiers, filters, antennas, or any othercomponent that is usually used in conjunction with radio frequencyreception chains.

FIG. 2C illustrates one embodiment of the two millimeter-wave signals1-mmw-2, 1-mmw-2′ having two different characteristic frequencies thatare settable over a certain frequency span 2-span and the two microwavesignals 1-Mw-3, 1-Mw-3′ derived respectively from the twomillimeter-wave signals 1-mmw-2, 1-mmw-2′ and thus having two respectivecharacteristic frequencies that are settable over a similar frequencyspan 2-span′. For example, if both millimeter-wave oscillators 1-synt-1and 1-synt-3 operate around the same nominal frequency of 60 GHz (sixtygigahertz), then millimeter-wave oscillators 1-synt-1, 1-synth-3 can beexpected to produce reference signals 1-ref-1, 1-ref-1′ over a span offrequencies 2-span that is at least 3 GHz (three gigahertz), e.g., from58.5 GHz (fifty eight point five gigahertz) to 61.5 (sixty one pointfive gigahertz). Consequently, the resultant millimeter-wave signals1-mmw-2, 1-mmw-2′ have characteristic frequencies that are settable overthe same frequency span 2-span of 3 GHz (three gigahertz). Microwavesignals 1-Mw-3, 1-Mw-3′, which are microwave versions of basebandsignals 1-bb-1, 1-bb-1′ respectively, are produces by the second andfourth millimeter-wave chains 1-chain-2, 1-chain-4 respectively usingthe reference signals 1-ref-2, 1-ref-2′ from the local millimeter-waveoscillators 1-synt-2, 1-synt-4 respectively and using themillimeter-wave signals 1-mmw-2, 1-mmw-2′ as inputs respectively. Sinceboth millimeter-wave signals 1-mmw-2 and 1-mmw-2′ have characteristicfrequencies that are settable over the frequency span 2-span of 3 GHz(three gigahertz) as an example, then consequently, the resultantmicrowave signals 1-Mw-3, 1-Mw-3′ will have characteristic frequenciesthat are also settable over a similar frequency span 2-span′ of 3 GHz(three gigahertz). If, as an example, reference signals 1-ref-1′,1-ref-2′ have the frequencies of 61.5 GHz (sixty one point fivegigahertz) and 57.9 GHz (fifty seven point nine gigahertz) respectively,then the resultant characteristic frequency of microwave signal 1-Mw-3′will be 3.6 GHz (three point six gigahertz), which is equal thedifference 2-differential′ between these frequencies. If, as an example,reference signals 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 have the frequencies of 58.5 GHz(fifty eight point five gigahertz) and 57.9 GHz (fifty seven point ninegigahertz) respectively, then the resultant characteristic frequency ofmicrowave signal 1-Mw-3 will be 600 MHz (six hundred megahertz), whichis equal to the difference 2-differential between these frequencies. Inthe above example, both of the signals 1-Mw-3′ at 3.6 GHz and 1-Mw-3 at600 MHz may exist concurrently, thereby facilitating parallelwireless/cellular transmissions at both a first 600 MHz band and asecond 3.6 GHz band, or at any other two different bands located insidethe span of frequencies 2-span′. According to one example, the receptionpath of the first 600 MHz band may be facilitated by the RF chain1-chain-5, which may also operate in the first 600 MHz band, and thereception path of the second 3.6 GHz band may be facilitated by the RFchain 1-chain-6, which may also operate in the second 3.6 GHz band. Now,if all of the RF chains 1-chain-1, 1-chain-2, 1-chain-3, 1-chain-4,1-chain-5, 1-chain-6 are co-located, perhaps in a single base-station orin a single radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), then it could beexpected that impairments such as an unwanted non-linearity and otherparasitic effects associated with synthesizing the microwave signal1-Mw-3 at (for example) 600 MHz would create unwanted harmonics at (forexample) 3.6 GHz, and therefore interfere with the reception path1-chain-6 in the second 3.6 GHz band, but this is avoided altogether bysynthesizing the microwave signal 1-Mw-3 using millimeter-wavecomponents 1-synt-1, 1-synt-2, 1-x-1, 1-x-2 and millimeter-wavefrequencies.

FIG. 2D illustrates one embodiment of a radio frequency integratedcircuit 1-RFIC containing all of the RF chains 1-chain-1, 1-chain-2,1-chain-3, 1-chain-4, 1-chain-5, 1-chain-6 and belonging to a wirelessbase-station, a remote radio head (RRH), or an access point 1-BS.Interferences between different microwave bands/channels arefundamentally avoided as a direct result of synthesizing the microwavesignals 1-Mw-3, 1-Mw-3′ using millimeter-wave components 1-synt-1,1-synt-2, 1-x-1, 1-x-2, 1-synt-3, 1-synt-4, 1-x-1′, 1-x-2′ and employingmillimeter-wave frequencies 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2, 1-ref-1′, 1-ref-2′ thatare way above the frequencies of the microwave bands/channels.

One embodiment is a system operative to use millimeter-wave radiocomponents to generate microwave signals over a wide frequency range.The system includes: a first millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1 operativeto up-convert signals from a baseband frequency into a millimeter-wavefrequency; a second millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2 operative todown-convert signals from a millimeter-wave frequency into a microwavefrequency; and at least a first programmable millimeter-wave oscillator1-synt-1 having an oscillation frequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1that is above 25 GHz (twenty five gigahertz) and that is settable over aspan 2-span of at least 1 GHz (one gigahertz).

In one embodiment, the system is configured to: use the at least firstprogrammable millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 to set a specific exactfrequency differential 2-differential between an up-conversion frequency1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 associated with the first millimeter-wavechain 1-chain-1 and a down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2 associated withthe second millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2, in which said specific exactfrequency differential 2-differential is therefore settable over a span2-span of at least 1 GHz (one gigahertz); receive a first signal 1-bb-1a, 1-bb-1 b, 1-bb-1 in a baseband frequency; use the firstmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1, in conjunction with said up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1, to up-convert the first signal1-bb-1 a, 1-bb-1 b, 1-bb-1 from said baseband frequency into amillimeter-wave frequency, thereby producing a millimeter-wave version1-mmw-2 of the first signal 1-bb-1 a, 1-bb-1 b, 1-bb-1; and use thesecond millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2, in conjunction with saiddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2, to down-convert the millimeter-waveversion 1-mmw-2 of the first signal into a microwave version 1-Mw-3 ofthe first signal having a characteristic frequency that is thereforesettable over a span 2-span′ of at least 1 GHz (one gigahertz).

In one embodiment, the first programmable millimeter-wave oscillator1-synt-1 has an oscillation frequency that is settable over a frequencyspan 2-span of at least 1.1 GHz (one point one gigahertz); the specificexact frequency differential 2-differential between the up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 and the down-conversionfrequency 1-ref-2 is settable over at least the range 2-span offrequencies between 800 MHz (eight hundred megahertz) and 1.9 GHz (onepoint nine gigahertz); and the characteristic frequency of the microwaveversion 1-Mw-3 of the first signal is settable over at least the rangeof frequencies 2-span′ between 800 MHz (eight hundred megahertz) and 1.9GHz (one point nine gigahertz), in which said range of frequenciesconstitutes at least 57.8% (fifty seven point eight percent) of thecharacteristic frequency, and in which such a high range of frequenciesis possible as a direct result of using the first millimeter-wave chain1-chain-1 operative to up-convert signals from a baseband frequency intoa millimeter-wave frequency and the second millimeter-wave chain1-chain-2 operative to down-convert signals from a millimeter-wavefrequency into a microwave frequency.

In one embodiment, the first programmable millimeter-wave oscillator1-synt-1 has an oscillation frequency that is settable over a frequencyspan 2-span of at least 2.9 GHz (two point nine gigahertz); the specificexact frequency differential 2-differential between the up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 and the down-conversionfrequency 1-ref-2 is settable over at least the range of frequencies2-span between 800 MHz (eight hundred megahertz) and 3.7 GHz (threepoint seven gigahertz); and the characteristic frequency of themicrowave version 1-Mw-3 of the first signal is settable over at leastthe range of frequencies 2-span′ between 800 MHz (eight hundredmegahertz) and 3.7 GHz (three point seven gigahertz), in which saidrange of frequencies constitutes at least 78.3% (seventy eight pointthree percent) of the characteristic frequency, and in which such a veryhigh range of frequencies is possible as a direct result of using thefirst millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1 operative to up-convert signalsfrom a baseband frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency and thesecond millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2 operative to down-convert signalsfrom a millimeter-wave frequency into a microwave frequency.

In one embodiment, the first programmable millimeter-wave oscillator1-synt-1 has an oscillation frequency that is settable over a frequencyspan 2-span of at least 1.4 GHz (one point four gigahertz); the specificexact frequency differential 2-differential between the up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 and the down-conversionfrequency 1-ref-2 is settable over at least the range of frequencies2-span between 2.3 GHz (two point three gigahertz) and 3.7 GHz (threepoint seven gigahertz); and the characteristic frequency of themicrowave version 1-Mw-3 of the first signal is settable over at leastthe range of frequencies 2-span′ between 2.3 GHz (two point threegigahertz) and 3.7 GHz (three point seven gigahertz), in which saidrange of frequencies constitutes at least 37.8% (thirty seven pointeight percent) of the characteristic frequency, and in which such a highrange of frequencies is possible as a direct result of using the firstmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1 operative to up-convert signals from abaseband frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency and the secondmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2 operative to down-convert signals from amillimeter-wave frequency into a microwave frequency.

In one embodiment, the first programmable millimeter-wave oscillator1-synt-1 has an oscillation frequency that is settable over a frequencyspan 2-span of at least 5 GHz (five gigahertz); the specific exactfrequency differential 2-differential between the up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 and the down-conversionfrequency 1-ref-2 is settable over at least the range of frequencies2-span between 800 MHz (eight hundred megahertz) and 5.8 GHz (five pointeight gigahertz); and the characteristic frequency of the microwaveversion 1-Mw-3 of the first signal is settable over at least the rangeof frequencies 2-span′ between 800 MHz (eight hundred megahertz) and 5.8GHz (five point eight gigahertz), in which said range of frequenciesconstitutes at least 86.2% (eighty six point two percent) of thecharacteristic frequency, and in which such an ultra high range offrequencies is possible as a direct result of using the firstmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1 operative to up-convert signals from abaseband frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency and the secondmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2 operative to down-convert signals from amillimeter-wave frequency into a microwave frequency.

In one embodiment, the system further includes: a third millimeter-wavechain 1-chain-3 operative to up-convert signals from a basebandfrequency into a millimeter-wave frequency; a fourth millimeter-wavechain 1-chain-4 operative to down-convert signals from a millimeter-wavefrequency into a microwave frequency; and at least one otherprogrammable millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-3 having an oscillationfrequency 1-ref-1 a′, 1-ref-1 b′, 1-ref-1′ that is above 25 GHz (twentyfive gigahertz) and that is settable over a frequency span 2-span of atleast 1 GHz (one gigahertz). In one embodiment the system is furtherconfigured to: use the at least one other programmable millimeter-waveoscillator 1-synt-3 to set another specific exact frequency differential2-differential′ between another up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1 a′,1-ref-1 b′, 1-ref-1′ associated with the third millimeter-wave chain1-chain-3 and another down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2′ associated withthe fourth millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-4, in which said anotherspecific exact frequency differential 2-differential′ is thereforesettable over a span 2-span of at least 1 GHz (one gigahertz); receive asecond signal 1-bb-1 a′, 1-bb-1 b′, 1-bb-1′ in a baseband frequency; usethe third millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-3, in conjunction with saidanother up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1 a′, 1-ref-1 b′, 1-ref-1′, toup-convert the second signal 1-bb-1 a′, 1-bb-1 b′, 1-bb-1′ from saidbaseband frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency, thereby producing amillimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2′ of the second signal 1-bb-1 a′, 1-bb-1b′, 1-bb-1′; and use the fourth millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-4, inconjunction with said another down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2′, todown-convert the millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2′ of the second signalinto a microwave version 1-Mw-3′ of the second signal having acharacteristic frequency that is therefore settable over a span 2-span′of at least 1 GHz (one gigahertz). In one embodiment, the system furtherincludes: a first circuitry 1-chain-5 operative to receive a firstincoming signal 3-Mw having a characteristic frequency associated withthe characteristic frequency of the microwave versions 1-Mw-3 of thefirst signal, and a second circuitry 1-chain-6 operative to receive asecond incoming signal 3-Mw′ having a characteristic frequencyassociated with the characteristic frequency of the microwave versions1-Mw-3′ of the second signal; the microwave version of the second signal1-Mw-3′ has a higher characteristic frequency than the microwave versionof the first signal 1-Mw-3; and the first programmable millimeter-waveoscillator 1-synt-1 does not interfere with said reception of the secondincoming signal 3-Mw′ as a direct result of the first programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 having an oscillation frequency1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 that is above 25 GHz (twenty fivegigahertz) and that is therefore way above the characteristic frequencyof the second incoming signal 3-Mw′. In one embodiment, the microwaveversion 1-Mw-3 of the first signal and the first incoming signal 3-Mware both associated with a first wireless communication channel, inwhich the microwave version 1-Mw-3 of the first signal is used as atransmission signal in conjunction with said first wirelesscommunication channel; and the microwave version 1-Mw-3′ of the secondsignal and the second incoming signal 3-Mw′ are both associated with asecond wireless communication channel, in which the microwave version ofthe second signal 1-Mw-3′ is used as a transmission signal inconjunction with said second wireless communication channel, and inwhich the second wireless communication channel is associated with afrequency that is higher than the frequency associated with the firstwireless communication channel.

In one embodiment, the first wireless communication channel isassociated with frequencies selected from a group consisting of: (i)frequencies in the 500 MHz (five hundred megahertz) band (i.e.,frequencies between 500 MHz and 600 MHz), (ii) frequencies in the 600MHz (six hundred megahertz) band, (iii) frequencies in the 700 MHz(seven hundred megahertz) band, (iv) frequencies in the 800 MHz (eighthundred megahertz) band, and (v) frequencies in the 900 MHz (ninehundred megahertz) band; and the second wireless communication channelis associated with frequencies selected from a group consisting of: (i)frequencies in the 1.7 GHz (one point seven gigahertz) band, (ii)frequencies in the 1.8 GHz (one point eight gigahertz) band, (iii)frequencies in the 1.9 GHz (one point nine gigahertz) band, (iv)frequencies in the 2.1 GHz (two point one gigahertz) band, (v)frequencies in the 2.3 GHz (two point three gigahertz) band, (vi)frequencies in the 2.4 GHz (two point four gigahertz) band, (vii)frequencies in the 2.5 GHz (two point five gigahertz) band, and (viii)frequencies in the 3.6 GHz (three point six gigahertz) band; wherein thesecond wireless communication channel successfully coexists with thefirst wireless communication channel as a direct result of the firstprogrammable millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synth-1 having an oscillationfrequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 that is above 25 GHz (twentyfive gigahertz) and that is therefore way above the frequencies of thesecond incoming signal 3-Mw′ of the second wireless communicationchannel.

In one embodiment, the first wireless communication channel isassociated with frequencies in the 2.4 GHz (two point four gigahertz)band (i.e., frequencies between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz); and the secondwireless communication channel is associated with frequencies in the 5GHz (five gigahertz) band (i.e., frequencies between 5 GHz and 5.8 GHz);wherein the second wireless communication channel successfully coexistswith the first wireless communication channel as a direct result of thefirst programmable millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synth-1 having anoscillation frequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 that is above 25 GHz(twenty five gigahertz) and that is therefore way above the frequenciesof the second incoming signal 3-Mw′ of the second wireless communicationchannel.

In one embodiment, at least most parts of the millimeter-wave chains1-chain-1, 1-chain-2, 1-chain-3, 1-chain-4 and the programmablemillimeter-wave oscillators 1-synt-1, 1-synt-3 are implemented on asingle radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 1-RFIC.

In one embodiment, the first and second wireless communication channelsare associated with a radio access network (RAN) component 1-BS such asa cellular base station or a wireless access point such as a WiFi accesspoint.

In one embodiment, the at least first programmable millimeter-waveoscillator 1-synt-1 comprises: (i) the first programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 and (ii) a second programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-2, in which the up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b, 1-ref-1 is generated by the firstprogrammable millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 and the down-conversionfrequency 1-ref-2 is generated by the second programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-2, thereby facilitating said settingof the exact frequency differential 2-differential.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a method for using millimeter-waveradio components for generating microwave signals over a wide frequencyrange. The method includes: In step 1001, setting a specific firstup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1 and a specific first down-conversionfrequency 1-ref-2 using at least a first programmable millimeter-waveoscillator 1-synt-1 having an oscillation frequency 1-ref-1 that isabove 25 GHz (twenty five gigahertz) and that is settable over a span2-span of at least 1 GHz (one gigahertz). In step 1002, up-converting afirst signal 1-bb-1 from a baseband frequency into a millimeter-wavefrequency using the specific first up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1,thereby producing a millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 of the first signal1-bb-1, and then down-converting the millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 ofthe first signal using the specific first down-conversion frequency1-ref-2, thereby producing a microwave version 1-Mw-3 of the firstsignal characterized by a particular first frequency that is equal tothe difference 2-differential between said specific first up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 and said specific first down-conversion frequency1-ref-2. In step 1003, setting at least one of: (i) a specific secondup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ (FIG. 2C) and (ii) a specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ (FIG. 2C) using at least the firstprogrammable millimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1. In step 1004,up-converting a second signal 1-bb-1″ (FIG. 2C) from the basebandfrequency into a millimeter-wave frequency using the specific secondup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″, thereby producing a millimeter-waveversion 1-mmw-2″ (FIG. 2C) of the second signal 1-bb-1″, and thendown-converting the millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2″ of the secondsignal using the specific second down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″,thereby producing a microwave version 1-Mw-3″ (FIG. 2C) of the secondsignal characterized by a particular second frequency that is equal tothe difference 2-differential′ (FIG. 2C) between said specific secondup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ and said specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″, in which the particular secondfrequency varies by at least 1 GHz (one gigahertz) from the particularfirst frequency as a result of said span 2-span, 2-span′.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: receiving a firstrequest to transmit via a first microwave band, in which said setting ofthe specific first up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1 and the specificfirst down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2 is a result of said firstrequest; and transmitting wirelessly the microwave version 1-Mw-3 of thefirst signal as a further result of said first request. In oneembodiment, the method further comprises: receiving a second request totransmit via a second microwave band, in which said setting of thespecific second up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ and the specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ is a result of said second request;and transmitting wirelessly the microwave version 1-Mw-3″ of the secondsignal as a further result of said second request.

In one embodiment, the first microwave band is associated withfrequencies selected from a group consisting of: (i) frequencies in the500 MHz (five hundred megahertz) band, (ii) frequencies in the 600 MHz(six hundred megahertz) band, (iii) frequencies in the 700 MHz (sevenhundred megahertz) band, (iv) frequencies in the 800 MHz (eight hundredmegahertz) band, and (v) frequencies in the 900 MHz (nine hundredmegahertz) band; and the second microwave band is associated withfrequencies selected from a group consisting of: (i) frequencies in the1.7 GHz (one point seven gigahertz) band, (ii) frequencies in the 1.8GHz (one point eight gigahertz) band, (iii) frequencies in the 1.9 GHz(one point nine gigahertz) band, (iv) frequencies in the 2.1 GHz (twopoint one gigahertz) band, (v) frequencies in the 2.3 GHz (two pointthree gigahertz) band, (vi) frequencies in the 2.4 GHz (two point fourgigahertz) band, (vii) frequencies in the 2.5 GHz (two point fivegigahertz) band, and (viii) frequencies in the 3.6 GHz (three point sixgigahertz) band.

In one embodiment, the first microwave band is associated withfrequencies in the 2.4 GHz (two point four gigahertz) band; and thesecond microwave band is associated with frequencies in the 5 GHz (fivegigahertz) band.

In one embodiment, said setting of at least one of: (i) the specificsecond up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ and (ii) the specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ using at least the first programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 comprises: setting the specificsecond up-conversion frequency1-ref-1″ using the first programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1; in which: the specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ is equal to the specific firstdown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2, and therefore the specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ does not require setting.

In one embodiment, said setting of at least one of: (i) the specificsecond up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ and (ii) the specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ using at least the first programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 comprises: setting the specificsecond down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ using the first programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1; in which: the specific secondup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ is equal to the specific firstup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1, and therefore the specific secondup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ does not require setting.

In one embodiment, said setting of at least one of: (i) the specificsecond up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ and (ii) the specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ using at least the first programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1 comprises: setting the specificsecond up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1″ using the first programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-1; and setting the specific seconddown-conversion frequency 1-ref-2″ using a second programmablemillimeter-wave oscillator 1-synt-2.

FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of a system operative to generate aspecific exact frequency differential between a first millimeter-wavefrequency and a second millimeter-wave frequency.

A baseband and/or intermediate signal 1-bb-1, which may contain I/Qcomponents comprising an in-phase component 1-bb-1 a (I) and aquadrature component 1-bb-1 b (Q), is up-converted by the firstmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1 to a millimeter-wave frequency, therebyproducing a millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 (1-mmw-2 a, 1-mmw-2 b) ofthe signal 1-bb-1, in which a millimeter-wave frequency in the contextof the system depicted in FIG. 4A is any frequency above 18 GHz(eighteen gigahertz) and below 300 GHz (three hundred gigahertz). Themillimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 of the signal 1-bb-1 is thendown-converted by the second millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2 into amicrowave frequency, thereby producing a microwave version 1-Mw-3 of thesignal 1-bb-1, in which a microwave frequency in the context of thesystem depicted in FIG. 4A is any frequency above 300 MHz (three hundredmegahertz) and below 18 GHz (eighteen gigahertz). The actualup-conversion may be achieved using mixers 1-x-1 a, 1-x-1 b, in whichthe reference signals to the mixers 1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b are produced(e.g., using a first frequency multiplier 1-MUL-1) from a synthesizer1-synt-5 comprising a single microwave frequency source 1-VCO. Theactual down-conversion may be achieved using another mixer 1-x-2, inwhich the reference signal 1-ref-2 to such a mixer 1-x-2 is produced(e.g., using a second frequency multiplier 1-MUL-2) from the synthesizerassociated with the same single microwave frequency source 1-VCO. Themicrowave version 1-Mw-3 of the signal 1-bb-1 may be then transmittedwirelessly via a microwave antenna. Elements 10 a, 10 b, 11, and 12represent various radio frequency components such as filters,amplifiers/power amplifiers, power combiners, antennas, or any othercomponent that is usually used in conjunction with radio frequencytransmission chains. It is noted that the two millimeter-wave referencefrequencies 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 are produced from a single lower frequencysource 1-VCO. The mechanism (e.g., 1-MUL-1, 1-MUL-2) associated withgenerating the millimeter-wave references 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 can also bereferred to as a frequency alteration mechanism 1-ALT, which maycomprise any combination of frequency multipliers, frequency dividers,counters, PLLs, synthesizers, comparators, logical circuitry, non-linearcircuitry, transistors, diodes, or any other elements that when puttogether are able to generate a higher millimeter-wave referencefrequencies 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 from the single lower frequency source1-VCO. Frequency multiplication may be achieved, as a non limitingexample, using a diode clipping mechanism acting as a frequency doubler,or acting as an odd-harmonics multiplier, or it may be achieved using aclass C amplifier having a switching nature that creates higherharmonics of an input signal, or it may be achieved using a steprecovery diode (SRD). Frequency multiplication may also be achievedusing a mixer in which the radio frequency input is also acting as thelocal input, thus generating a double frequency component at the output.It is also noted that any given millimeter-wave reference frequency1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 can be generated using a combination of frequencydividers and frequency multipliers connected in series.

FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of the specific exact frequencydifferential between a first millimeter-wave frequency and a secondmillimeter-wave frequency.

Millimeter-wave signal 1-mmw-2, which is a millimeter-wave version ofbaseband and/ or intermediate signal 1-bb-1, is generated by the firstmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1 using millimeter-wave reference signals1-ref-1 a, 1-ref-1 b (collectively referred to as 1-ref-1) produced1-MUL-1 from the single lower frequency source 1-VCO. Microwave signal1-Mw-3, which is a microwave version of baseband and/ or intermediatesignal 1-bb-1, is generated by the second millimeter-wave chain1-chain-2 using a millimeter-wave reference signal 1-ref-2 produced1-MUL-2 from the same single lower frequency source 1-VCO. Thecharacteristic frequency (also referred to as nominal or centerfrequency) of microwave signal 1-Mw-3 depends on the two millimeter-wavereference signals 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2, and more specifically on thedifference 2-differential between the frequencies of 1-ref-1 and1-ref-2. For example, if reference signals 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 have thefrequencies of 61.5 GHz (sixty one point five gigahertz) and 57.9 GHz(fifty seven point nine gigahertz) respectively, then the resultantcharacteristic frequency of microwave signal 1-Mw-3 will be 3.6 GHz(three point six gigahertz), which happens to be in a microwave bandused for 5G cellular communication.

The single frequency source 1-VCO has a phase noise associated withmicrowave sources. However, each of the two millimeter-wave references1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 is associated with a higher phase noise, e.g., as aresult of being derived from the single frequency source 1-VCO usingfrequency multiplication techniques 1-MUL1, 1-MUL-2. The higher phasenoise could have been detrimental in generating the microwave signal1-Mw-3, perhaps since the microwave signal carries QAM symbols that aresensitive to phase noise, however, the frequency difference2-differential between the millimeter-wave frequencies of 1-ref-1 and1-ref-2 can be made to “cancel” the higher phase noise, as a result ofthe two millimeter-wave frequencies of 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 being producedfrom a single source 1-VCO, and in that case the resulting microwavesignal 1-Mw-3 can be made free of the extra phase noise introduced bythe frequency multiplication techniques 1-MUL1, 1-MUL-2.

One embodiment is a system operative to generate a specific exactfrequency differential between a first millimeter-wave frequency and asecond millimeter-wave frequency, comprising: a single oscillator 1-VCO(FIG. 4A); and a frequency alteration mechanism 1-ALT (FIG. 4A)comprising at least a first frequency multiplier 1-MUL-1.

In one embodiment, the system is configured to use the single oscillator1-VCO in conjunction with the frequency alteration mechanism 1-ALT togenerate a first millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1 (FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B)that is above 18 GHz (eighteen gigahertz); the system is furtherconfigured to use the single oscillator 1-VCO, again, in conjunctionwith the frequency alteration mechanism 1-ALT to generate a secondmillimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-2 (FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B) that is below thefirst millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1 but still above 18 GHz, so as tocreate a specific exact frequency differential 2-differential (FIG. 4B)between the first millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1 and a secondmillimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-2, in which the first millimeter-wavefrequency and a second millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1, 1-ref-2 are atleast partially phase-correlated as a result of being generated from thesingle oscillator 1-VCO; and both said first millimeter-wave frequency1-ref-1 and second millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-2 are associated witha millimeter-wave phase noise that is above a certain noise level,however the specific exact frequency differential 2-differential isassociated with a phase noise that is below said certain noise level asa direct result of said phase-correlation, and is therefore usable forgenerating a certain signal 1-Mw-3 (FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B) associated with acertain baseband and/or intermediate frequency.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises: a first millimeter-wavechain 1-chain-1 (FIG. 4A) operative to up-convert signals from abaseband and/or intermediate frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency;and a second millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2 (FIG. 4A) operative todown-convert signals from a millimeter-wave frequency into a basebandand/or intermediate frequency.

In one embodiment, as a part of said generation of the certain signal1-Mw-3, the system is configured to: obtain a first signal 1-bb-1 (FIG.4B) in a first baseband and/or intermediate frequency; use the firstmillimeter-wave chain 1-chain-1, in conjunction with the firstmillimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1 acting as up-conversion frequency, toup-convert the first signal 1-bb-1 from said first baseband and/orintermediate frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency, therebyproducing a millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 (FIG. 4B) of the firstsignal 1-bb-1; and use the second millimeter-wave chain 1-chain-2, inconjunction with the second millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-2 acting asdown-conversion frequency, to down-convert the millimeter-wave version1-mmw-2 of the first signal into the certain signal 1-Mw-3 having afrequency associated with the specific exact frequency differential2-differential, in which the certain signal 1-Mw-3 is associated withsaid phase noise that is below said certain noise level.

In one embodiment, the first millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1 and asecond millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-2 are fully phase-correlated as acombined result of (i) being generated from the single oscillator 1-VCOand (ii) being phase-matched between said up-conversion and saiddown-conversion, thereby at least partially canceling phase noiseintroduced during said up-conversion with phase noise introduced duringsaid down-conversion.

In one embodiment, as part of said phase-matching, the system is furtherconfigured to: adjust a phase of the up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1relative to a phase of the down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2, untilreaching a certain desirable phase noise level associated with thecertain signal 1-Mw-3.

In one embodiment, said desirable phase noise level is below anintegrated phase noise of −45 dBc (minus forty-five decibel-carrier), inwhich the integrated phase noise is measured/integrated over a bandwidthassociated with the certain signal 1-Mw-3.

In one embodiment, both said first millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1 andsecond millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-2 are associated with anintegrated phase noise of above −35 dBc (minus thirty-fivedecibel-carrier) as measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associatedwith the certain signal 1-Mw-3; and as a direct result of saidphase-correlation, the specific exact frequency differential2-differential is associated with an integrated phase noise of below −35dBc as measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associated with thecertain signal 1-Mw-3.

In one embodiment, the certain signal 1-Mw-3 and the specific exactfrequency differential 2-differential are both associated with afrequency below 7 GHz (seven gigahertz); and the certain signal 1-Mw-3is associated with said integrated phase noise of below −35 dBc asmeasured in conjunction with a bandwidth associated with the certainsignal 1-Mw-3.

In one embodiment, the certain signal 1-Mw-3 is associated with a QAM256and/or higher modulation transmission; and the specific exact frequencydifferential 2-differential and the certain signal 1-Mw-3 are associatedwith an integrated phase noise of below −45 dBc (minus forty-fivedecibel-carrier) as measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associatedwith the certain signal 1-Mw-3.

In one embodiment, both said first millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1 andsecond millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-2 are associated with anintegrated phase noise of above −30 dBc (minus thirty decibel-carrier)as measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associated with the certainsignal 1-Mw-3.

In one embodiment, the certain signal 1-Mw-3 is associated with a QAM64transmission; and the specific exact frequency differential2-differential is associated with an integrated phase noise of below −40dBc (minus forty decibel-carrier) as measured in conjunction with abandwidth associated with the certain signal 1-Mw-3.

In one embodiment, the certain signal 1-Mw-3 is associated withfrequencies selected from a group consisting of: (i) frequencies in the1.7 GHz to 1.9 GHz cellular band, (ii) frequencies in the 2.1 GHz to2.4GHz cellular band, (iii) frequencies in the 2.4 GHz ism band, (iv)frequencies in the 2.5 GHz cellular band, (v) frequencies in the 3.6 GHzcellular band, and (vi) frequencies in the 5 GHz to 5.8 GHz ism band.

In one embodiment, the certain signal 1-Mw-3 is associated with acommunication standard selected from a group consisting of: (i) LTE,(ii) 5G, and (iii) WiFi.

In one embodiment, the frequency alteration mechanism 1-ALT furthercomprises a second frequency multiplier 1-MUL-2; as part of saidgeneration of the first millimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1, the frequencyalteration mechanism 1-ALT is configured to use the first frequencymultiplier 1-MUL-1 to multiply a frequency associated with the singleoscillator 1-VCO; and as part of said generation of the secondmillimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-2, the frequency alteration mechanism1-ALT is configured to use the second frequency multiplier 1-MUL-2 tomultiply a frequency associated with the same single oscillator 1-VCO,in which as a result of said frequency multiplications, both said firstmillimeter-wave frequency 1-ref-1 and second millimeter-wave frequency1-ref-2 are associated with a millimeter-wave phase noise that is abovethe certain noise level.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method for generating a specificexact frequency differential between a first millimeter-wave frequencyand a second millimeter-wave frequency. The method includes: in step1011: multiplying a frequency associated with a single microwaveoscillator 1-VCO (FIG. 4A) comprising a certain level of phase noise,thereby producing a millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1(FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B) associated with a higher level of phase noise; andmultiplying a frequency associated with the single microwave oscillator1-VCO, thereby producing a millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency1-ref-2 (FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B) associated with the higher level of phasenoise. In step 1012: obtaining a first signal 1-bb-1 (FIG. 4B) in abaseband and/or intermediate frequency; and using the millimeter-waveup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1 to up-convert the first signal 1-bb-1from said baseband and/or intermediate frequency into a millimeter-wavefrequency, thereby producing a millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 of thefirst signal that is associated with the higher level of phase noise. Instep 1013: using the millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2to down-convert the millimeter-wave version 1-mmw-2 of the first signalinto a microwave version 1-Mw-3 of the first signal. In step 1014:phase-matching the millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency 1-ref-1 withthe millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2 , thereby reducinga phase noise associated with the microwave version 1-Mw-3 of the firstsignal optionally to a level associated with the single microwaveoscillator 1-VCO.

In one embodiment, said certain level of phase noise is below anintegrated phase noise level of −35 dBc (minus thirty-fivedecibel-carrier) as measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associatedwith the microwave version of the first signal 1-Mw-3; and said higherlevel of phase noise is above an integrated phase noise level of −35 dBcas measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associated with themicrowave version of the first signal 1-Mw-3.

In one embodiment, the millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency 1-ref-2is above 18 GHz (eighteen gigahertz); the millimeter-wave up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 is above the millimeter-wave down-conversionfrequency; the microwave version 1-Mw-3 of the first signal isassociated with a frequency that is equal to the difference2-differential (FIG. 4B) between the millimeter-wave up-conversionfrequency 1-ref-1 and the millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency1-ref-2; the difference 2-differential between the millimeter-waveup-conversion frequency 1-ref-1 and the millimeter-wave down-conversionfrequency 1-ref-2 is below 7 GHz (sever gigahertz); and the higher levelof phase noise is at least 10 dB (ten decibel) higher than the certainlevel of phase noise.

In this description, numerous specific details are set forth. However,the embodiments/cases of the invention may be practiced without some ofthese specific details. In other instances, well-known hardware,materials, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail inorder not to obscure the understanding of this description. In thisdescription, references to “one embodiment” and “one case” mean that thefeature being referred to may be included in at least oneembodiment/case of the invention. Moreover, separate references to “oneembodiment”, “some embodiments”, “one case”, or “some cases” in thisdescription do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment/case.Illustrated embodiments/cases are not mutually exclusive, unless sostated and except as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art. Thus, the invention may include any variety of combinationsand/or integrations of the features of the embodiments/cases describedherein. Also herein, flow diagrams illustrate non-limitingembodiment/case examples of the methods, and block diagrams illustratenon-limiting embodiment/case examples of the devices. Some operations inthe flow diagrams may be described with reference to theembodiments/cases illustrated by the block diagrams. However, themethods of the flow diagrams could be performed by embodiments/cases ofthe invention other than those discussed with reference to the blockdiagrams, and embodiments/cases discussed with reference to the blockdiagrams could perform operations different from those discussed withreference to the flow diagrams. Moreover, although the flow diagrams maydepict serial operations, certain embodiments/cases could performcertain operations in parallel and/or in different orders from thosedepicted. Moreover, the use of repeated reference numerals and/orletters in the text and/or drawings is for the purpose of simplicity andclarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between thevarious embodiments/cases and/or configurations discussed. Furthermore,methods and mechanisms of the embodiments/cases will sometimes bedescribed in singular form for clarity. However, some embodiments/casesmay include multiple iterations of a method or multiple instantiationsof a mechanism unless noted otherwise. For example, when a controller oran interface are disclosed in an embodiment/case, the scope of theembodiment/case is intended to also cover the use of multiplecontrollers or interfaces.

Certain features of the embodiments/cases, which may have been, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments/cases, mayalso be provided in various combinations in a single embodiment/case.Conversely, various features of the embodiments/cases, which may havebeen, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment/case,may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Theembodiments/cases are not limited in their applications to the detailsof the order or sequence of steps of operation of methods, or to detailsof implementation of devices, set in the description, drawings, orexamples. In addition, individual blocks illustrated in the figures maybe functional in nature and do not necessarily correspond to discretehardware elements. While the methods disclosed herein have beendescribed and shown with reference to particular steps performed in aparticular order, it is understood that these steps may be combined,sub-divided, or reordered to form an equivalent method without departingfrom the teachings of the embodiments/cases. Accordingly, unlessspecifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the steps isnot a limitation of the embodiments/cases. Embodiments/cases describedin conjunction with specific examples are presented by way of example,and not limitation. Moreover, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system operative to generate a specific exactfrequency differential between a first millimeter-wave frequency and asecond millimeter-wave frequency, comprising: a single oscillator; and afrequency alteration mechanism comprising at least a first frequencymultiplier; wherein: the system is configured to use the singleoscillator in conjunction with the frequency alteration mechanism togenerate a first millimeter-wave frequency that is above 18 GHz(eighteen gigahertz); the system is further configured to use the singleoscillator, again, in conjunction with the frequency alterationmechanism to generate a second millimeter-wave frequency that is belowthe first millimeter-wave frequency but still above 18 GHz, so as tocreate a specific exact frequency differential between the firstmillimeter-wave frequency and a second millimeter-wave frequency, inwhich the first millimeter-wave frequency and a second millimeter-wavefrequency are at least partially phase-correlated as a result of beinggenerated from the single oscillator; and both said firstmillimeter-wave frequency and second millimeter-wave frequency areassociated with a millimeter-wave phase noise that is above a certainnoise level, however the specific exact frequency differential isassociated with a phase noise that is below said certain noise level asa direct result of said phase-correlation, and is therefore usable forgenerating a certain signal associated with a certain baseband and/orintermediate frequency.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: afirst millimeter-wave chain operative to up-convert signals from abaseband and/or intermediate frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency;and a second millimeter-wave chain operative to down-convert signalsfrom a millimeter-wave frequency into a baseband and/or intermediatefrequency; wherein as a part of said generation of the certain signal,the system is configured to: obtain a first signal in a first basebandand/or intermediate frequency; use the first millimeter-wave chain, inconjunction with the first millimeter-wave frequency acting asup-conversion frequency, to up-convert the first signal from said firstbaseband and/or intermediate frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency,thereby producing a millimeter-wave version of the first signal; and usethe second millimeter-wave chain, in conjunction with the secondmillimeter-wave frequency acting as down-conversion frequency, todown-convert the millimeter-wave version of the first signal into thecertain signal having a frequency associated with the specific exactfrequency differential, in which the certain signal is associated withsaid phase noise that is below said certain noise level.
 3. The systemof claim 2, wherein: the first millimeter-wave frequency and a secondmillimeter-wave frequency are fully phase-correlated as a combinedresult of (i) being generated from the single oscillator and (ii) beingphase-matched between said up-conversion and said down-conversion,thereby at least partially canceling phase noise introduced during saidup-conversion with phase noise introduced during said down-conversion.4. The system of claim 3, wherein as part of said phase-matching, thesystem is further configured to: adjust a phase of the up-conversionfrequency relative to a phase of the down-conversion frequency, untilreaching a certain desirable phase noise level associated with thecertain signal.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said desirable phasenoise level is below an integrated phase noise of −45 dBc (minusforty-five decibel-carrier), in which the integrated phase noise ismeasured/integrated over a bandwidth associated with the certain signal.6. The system of claim 1, wherein: both said first millimeter-wavefrequency and second millimeter-wave frequency are associated with anintegrated phase noise of above −35 dBc (minus thirty-fivedecibel-carrier) as measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associatedwith the certain signal; and as a direct result of saidphase-correlation, the specific exact frequency differential isassociated with an integrated phase noise of below −35 dBc as measuredin conjunction with a bandwidth associated with the certain signal. 7.The system of claim 6, wherein: the certain signal and the specificexact frequency differential are both associated with a frequency below7 GHz (seven gigahertz); and the certain signal is associated with saidintegrated phase noise of below −35 dBc as measured in conjunction witha bandwidth associated with the certain signal.
 8. The system of claim7, wherein: the certain signal is associated with a QAM256 and/or highermodulation transmission; and the specific exact frequency differentialand the certain signal are associated with an integrated phase noise ofbelow −45 dBc (minus forty-five decibel-carrier) as measured inconjunction with a bandwidth associated with the certain signal.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein both said first millimeter-wave frequency andsecond millimeter-wave frequency are associated with an integrated phasenoise of above −30 dBc (minus thirty decibel-carrier) as measured inconjunction with a bandwidth associated with the certain signal.
 10. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the certain signal is associated with a QAM64transmission; and the specific exact frequency differential isassociated with an integrated phase noise of below −40 dBc (minus fortydecibel-carrier) as measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associatedwith the certain signal.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the certainsignal is associated with frequencies selected from a group consistingof: (i) frequencies in the 1.7 GHz to 1.9 GHz cellular band, (ii)frequencies in the 2.1 GHz to 2.4 GHz cellular band, (iii) frequenciesin the 2.4 GHz ism band, (iv) frequencies in the 2.5 GHz cellular band,(v) frequencies in the 3.6 GHz cellular band, and (vi) frequencies inthe 5 GHz to 5.8 GHz ism band.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein thecertain signal is associated with a communication standard selected froma group consisting of: (i) LTE, (ii) 5G, and (iii) WiFi.
 13. The systemof claim 1, wherein: the frequency alteration mechanism furthercomprises a second frequency multiplier; as part of said generation ofthe first millimeter-wave frequency, the frequency alteration mechanismis configured to use the first frequency multiplier to multiply afrequency associated with the single oscillator; and as part of saidgeneration of the second millimeter-wave frequency, the frequencyalteration mechanism is configured to use the second frequencymultiplier to multiply a frequency associated with the same singleoscillator, in which as a result of said frequency multiplications, bothsaid first millimeter-wave frequency and second millimeter-wavefrequency are associated with a millimeter-wave phase noise that isabove the certain noise level.
 14. A method for generating a specificexact frequency differential between a first millimeter-wave frequencyand a second millimeter-wave frequency, comprising: multiplying afrequency associated with a single microwave oscillator comprising acertain level of phase noise, thereby producing a millimeter-waveup-conversion frequency associated with a higher level of phase noise;multiplying a frequency associated with the single microwave oscillator,thereby producing a millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency associatedwith the higher level of phase noise; obtaining a first signal in abaseband and/or intermediate frequency; using the millimeter-waveup-conversion frequency to up-convert the first signal from saidbaseband and/or intermediate frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency,thereby producing a millimeter-wave version of the first signal that isassociated with the higher level of phase noise; using themillimeter-wave down-conversion frequency to down-convert themillimeter-wave version of the first signal into a microwave version ofthe first signal; and phase-matching the millimeter-wave up-conversionfrequency with the millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency, therebyreducing a phase noise associated with the microwave version of thefirst signal to a level associated with the single microwave oscillator.15. The method of claim 14, wherein: said certain level of phase noiseis below an integrated phase noise level of −35 dBc (minus thirty-fivedecibel-carrier) as measured in conjunction with a bandwidth associatedwith the microwave version of the first signal; and said higher level ofphase noise is above an integrated phase noise level of −35 dBc asmeasured in conjunction with a bandwidth associated with the microwaveversion of the first signal.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein: themillimeter-wave down-conversion frequency is above 18 GHz (eighteengigahertz); the millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency is above themillimeter-wave down-conversion frequency; the microwave version of thefirst signal is associated with a frequency that is equal to thedifference between the millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency and themillimeter-wave down-conversion frequency; the difference between themillimeter-wave up-conversion frequency and the millimeter-wavedown-conversion frequency is below 7 GHz (sever gigahertz); and thehigher level of phase noise is at least 10 dB (ten decibel) higher thanthe certain level of phase noise.